Bird Checklists of the United States

Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge

Umatilla, Oregon

Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge lies along the Columbia River in Oregon and
Washington. Its 23,000 acres of open water, wetlands, cropland, riparian wood
lands, and desert shrub steppe support a diverse wildlife community. It is also
a migration and wintering stop for thousands of birds in the Pacific Flyway.
Wintering geese number nearly 30,000 and over 200,000 ducks, mostly mallards,
make the refuge their winter home. Winter also brings bald eagles and tundra
swans to the refuge. Spring is heralded by the return of the long-billed curlew
and burrowing owls. Summer is a quiet time, resident birds are raising their
young and broods of California quail and ring-necked pheasants are seen. Fall
migrants such as cinnamon teal begin arriving in early September to feed and
rest from their journeys.

This list contains 208 species of birds seen in the varied refuge habitats.
The relative abundances printed in this checklist indicate how frequently
you might expect to see a bird in its favored habitat. Consult field guides
or reference books to learn the specific habitats in which a particular species
can be found. This checklist is arranged in accordance with the nomenclature
used in the A.O.U. Checklist of North American Birds (1983).

Season Symbols

Sp - Spring, March through May
S - Summer, June through August
F - Fall, September through November
W - Winter, December through February